Green Burial

WHAT IS A GREEN BURIAL? The intention of a green burial is to hasten the return of the body to the natural world and to integrate the remains within the cycles of nature. The body is not embalmed. Any wrap or container/casket is made of biodegradable material such as wood, wicker, or natural fiber.

WHAT IS THE GREEN BURIAL PROCESS? The body or container is lowered onto the earth at the bottom of the grave. Earth is then packed directly around and over the body or container instead of using a traditional cement vault or grave liner. The Davis Cemetery District places a vault lid on the packed dirt above the body and then puts more dirt on top of the lid in order in ensure that the grave site remains flat and stable for the weight of the memorial marker and of our mowers and other equipment.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE GREEN BURIAL OPTION? The Davis Cemetery District offers the green burial option for either single or companion interment. In the case of a companion green burial, the District will use a separate vault lid on the packed dirt above each body.

Embalmed bodies and/or those in non-biodegradable caskets, such as metal, are not eligible for the green burial option. Green burial is not an option for the second interment into a companion plot in which a companion vault is already in place.